Tips to tackle autumn allergies

(KBSI) – It’s sneezing season. Autumn can mean an increase in allergies.

It’s the dreaded runny nose, watery eyes and stuffed sinuses. But there’s a way to help avoid those pesky allergies.

The biggest culprit of the year is ragweed and symptoms from it can start as early as Labor Day.

Make sure your windows stay closed to not bring it into your home. Also, as much as we love our pets it may be that time of year to keep them out of your bedroom.

Dogs go outside and the allergies come running in.

You can also stay inside on windy days and take showers after going outside to wash off the pesky pollen.

“If none of that helps or you really don’t like taking medications, either allergy shots or something called sublingual immunotherapy can be really effective in helping to control those allergies,” said Dr. Sandra Hong, an allergist at Cleveland Clinic.

Sublingual immunotherapy involves taking a medicine to expose the body to small amounts of an allergen.

Dr. Hong also says to keep track of what causes your allergies because it can help you avoid them.